Generic Question - Help Me!

[jAMERICA]

OK guys, I'm new here... but I know you guys can help me a lot!

I am a singer/songwriter and am very interested in pursuing this now. I have been a musician since I was 5 and I am currently getting my music performance degree. Thing is, I have no idea where to start with my recording. I need some suggestions on what to buy to begin my home studio.

Can you please give me a list of mandatory, "must-haves" (besides a computer) for a recording studio? What brand to go with for which equipment... a great program to work with - ( I was using Cakewalk until my computer broke down on me 2 months ago ). I write pop, RnB, country, gospel, rock, techno ...pretty much everything... so I need equipment that can work with my writing - which I think most should.

I have a budget of $2000 for now... but I think that can definately get me started! Please, I am open to your thoughts. E-mails are fine! Thanks alot guys.

-Josh

[Warhead]

Are you going to be recording others? Drums? Please give a few more details.

If you're used to using Cakewalk then I'd stick with it. Learning new software is a bitch and it's not cheap either.

Welcome to HR!

War

[wheelema]

Mandatory must haves....??

• A way to get the sound in (mic(s), preamp(s), A/D conversion)
• A way to get the sound out (monitors, D/A conversion)
• A place for the sound to reside between the in and the out (computer, program)
• Effects (if you wish)
• Cables and stuff

The sky is the limit with all of this, of course.


Suggestions?? Well, given your budget, I would look at Studio Projects mics, M-Audio soundcards, Wharfdale (the current rage) or Yorkville (the past rage) monitors, and whatever preamp you can afford.

It has been debated on this board which is most important to the signal chain... the mic or the preamp. I believe that the consensus was that it is better to buy the best mic you can and a decent preamp, rather than to buy a poor mic and a great preamp.

Of course, what do I know? I am still working through this shite myself.

[jAMERICA]

Thanks ya'll

I am wanting to record mainly instrumental and vocals. I am going to build a little recording booth in my music studio. As far as drums, no idea. I might be able to go somewhere or get someone to make a track for me.

Are there any brands that ya'll suggest? Cakewalk is great for me I guess... should I look into Pro-Tools yet? Also, what about soundcards? I am not great at the piano so I use the staff and select instruments within the computer.

Any advice would help me alot. I wish I had a mentor!
Thanks-Josh